TL:DR - we do get bespoke designs every year, adidas has common designs across all teams, it’s your choice to buy or not.
Some people seem to be a bit confused about what shirt manufacture deals are these days and maybe expect different results.
adidas has a tier system for different clubs. For example, Arsenal is tier 1 so they get the most bespoke kit designs as they sell more and have generally a wider reach. They also get specific clothing lines and brand collaborations that we don’t get.
We are tier 2 (still very high considering our league position) as we have large social media followings. This means we get to pick ONE design choice that is bespoke. This season it is the wyvern pattern. Last season it was the pinstripes. Season before was the side panelling. So we ALWAYS get some sort of bespoke deal with common features as well.
But ultimately even tier 1 teams have similar designs. The thicker stripes, 2026-27 collar designs etc. Goalkeepers are the big similarity in that they all carry the same design. Real Madrid, Arsenal, us. Because adidas is still the brand.
I find that having 3 kits, multiple training wear options and occasional ranges like the ZNE range last year means we have choice. If you don’t like any of them, that’s fine. You don’t have to buy them. The crowd is and has always been mixed with old and new shirts so there is little social pressure to get the latest.
Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.
